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    Courtyard Tea Room

    4.2 (284 reviews)
    PriceyTea Rooms
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    Lily G.

    Vegetarian options do not disappoint! I was impressed. I appreciated their attention to detail, though the time felt rushed since we had only 90 minutes. Our tea arrived maybe 15 minutes in, we were a large party, and then they dropped the bill off with 20 whole minutes to spare. A four course tea takes more than that to go through comfortably... I like the space a lot except it does not feel as old fashioned or traditional as I was expecting for a high tea with the BPL. It is very clean, crisp (loose folds visible in the tablecloths) but well done.

    Laura C.

    An amazing experience to have in Boston the library offers such amazing views , art , and atmosphere. I've always wanted to try their tea time and managed to get a reservation for my birthday. It was a fantastic way to feel fancy. The tea was perfectly hot and flavorful . They had a good selection of tea. The bites were a prefixed menu . We took our time going through each item and talking about our opinions on each one . My favorite was the Apple pie bite that came on an edible cookie spoon . The scones also came with jam and clotted cream , absolutely delicious ! The service was quick and clean . It is a little on the pricier side but it is well worth the experience of a real tea time .

    Jamie A.

    Tea room experience at the library! This place was a wish for my bestie who wanted to have a pretty tea party day~ The experience is $72 per person and includes any tea, a plate of savory bites, one scone, and sweet samples~ the first meal a small fish bowl of feta cheese ~ check out the menu to see more, but the best plates was the savory set plate~ the one scone fills you up~ it has very filling and large~ last plate I went for was the sweets. I was actually full and only took bits of some sweets~ the apple pie spooons were my favorite. As for the tea, it was included in the experience and honestly, it's just enough and lasted all the way until I finished all my treats~ cocktails are an extra cost. Service was prompt and kind~ I am getting great service and attentive to details~ I think the experience was worth it and was filling. I was not left hungry!

    Scone
    Connie L.

    The Courtyard Tea Room is a beautiful space tucked away within the Boston Public Library. Definitely make a reservation in advance because they book out fast. Came for some Sunday Tea and we had a wonderful experience! They take you around the world with some French Macarons, Scones with Clotted Cream, Dubai Chocolate, and Alfajores to name a few. Some definitely tasted better than others (their savory options were much better than the sweet ones). Their Cozy Copley Tea is the perfect Earl Grey to complement your tea time experience. Our server was kind and professional as well. Highly recommend!

    Mal L.

    Without a doubt, make a reservation! It's a little hard to find but right before the stairs to the right and check in at hostess stand. The hostess wasn't very nice, pretty short with us, and seemed annoyed to be working. This was a trend for our visit. Food was great, and so were the cocktails, but the service was slow, and the staff seemed really annoyed. It was also pretty warm in there. I do wish they had a coat rack for jackets. And, next time I will bring something to hang my purse. The chairs are rounded so I had to set it on the floor. I'd try it again though.

    Felicia M.

    Took my friend here for her birthday and everything was just perfect. We started with sparkling wine at the bar. We were seated at a beautiful table where my friend received a lovely card from the tea room, wishing her happy birthday. We started with the latte tea, it was tasty but a bit heavy with all the food that was to come. I am gluten-free and it was so nice to see that I could get a gluten-free option while my friend got the regular option. Everything was just delicious if you want to have high tea for a special occasion this is your place.

    Short rib sandwich
    Kaitlyn F.

    We went into the Boston library to check it out and we were a little hungry so we tried to see if we were able to get a table for seven people and with just a little weight we were able to get one. This place is beautiful inside. The menu is small but it's good for just a quick bite. My husband and I split the short rib sandwich, which was perfect. I had a chai tea which was very large. This is a great place to come if you want to just have a drink or a small bite.

    Helen Z.

    I just got proposed to at afternoon tea here on Halloween, so I admit I am biased. However, we would have had a wonderful time here whether that had happened or not. We got here early and spent some time walking around the courtyard which was charming and not too crowded on a Thursday morning. The tea room is lovely and serene, and the menus and container with sugar are classic novels. When we were seated they actually gave us one of the best spots (there are only 2 by the window overlooking the courtyard). I got the oolong tea which was very fragrant and strong. My now-fiance got the most popular tea which was an earl grey with milk and sugar, and it was too sweet for both of us. Would have preferred if they had left sugar out so we could have decided the sweetness level. The food was cold but delectable--loved the mushroom tart and the lobster roll. The scone did not come out piping hot, but was a delicious pumpkin one with a crunchy sugar crust. I didn't love the macaron flavors because they were too flowery for my taste, but the rest of the sweets tray was nice. After you pay, they give you a cute bookmark to remember the experience. I would come again. I didn't want a super public proposal, so this place was actually perfect. The tables are spaced out enough that even with no music playing, you don't really hear other peoples' conversations apart from a subtle chatter.

    Perfect Pair
    Melissa Y.

    C'mon Darling, let's enjoy high tea! Wow, what a treat! I had no idea that this Tea Room even existed. Shame on me! A bunch of us went after a Christmas Play and we had so much fun, especially for the newbies. The Courtyard Restaurant is in the Boston Public Library and was stunning. When you first walk in there is a "walk-in" restaurant with a nice bar to sit down where no reservations are required. But, then you walk in a little more to their fine dining Tea Room where you have to make reservations. With white tablecloths and shiny silverware, I felt as if I was in London at a famous tea room and maybe even a Queen (ok I won't go that far) but it was something special. Our server Peter was awesome! We all ordered Tea because duh:) and then we also had a few cocktails too. I had their Matcha Latte which was delish and then ordered their Perfect Pair cocktail. My husband had their Oolong Tea and Stolen Moment cocktail. Our server informed us on what to expect and how the courses work. You don't get to choose your food like a normal restaurant. They give you one to see what is on the menu that day. Everything is prepared by the Chef and always changing. We had a Curry Carrot Soup with Pickled Carrots to start. Then came the Scones, which were so nice and warm with homemade kinds of butter (pumpkin and regular). Then the finale was the 3 tier assortment of figure sandwiches and desserts. Everything was fantastic and the service was phenomenal. It was a per person cost of $72 which to me was a bit expensive but it was also an experience which I highly recommend doing once in a lifetime.

    Marisa P.

    This was definitely on the upper end of my travel budget, but how often does one get to have high tea in the Boston Public Library? There are two different rooms one is dark and cozy with more of a bar vibe or the main room that overlooks the courtyard. If you take kids they do not have separate options for them, everyone must do the high tea so keep that in mind. The amuse bouche was an odd mixture of frothed sour cream and beets. Not sure if I would keep that one on the menu. Things went up from there with really nice tea options like white peach and earl gray. I didn't realize until later that the hollowed out book on the table holds the sugar cubes! What a cool idea. The tea tower consisted of finger sandwiches and savory pastry on the first level, scones with jam and butter on the second tier, and pastry at the top. Service is leisurely so you can chat and enjoy your tea without ever feeling hurried. Overall I enjoyed the experience.

    Dessert Menu
    Karan C.

    I really enjoy going for the afternoon high tea service at this place in the BPL in Back Bay. However, I thought the quality of the tea and food was not up to par compared to the previous time I was here. I think it's reasonably priced for downtown Boston and definitely better than most other places in Boston.

    Angela V.

    The space is beautiful and nestled within Boston Public Library. The tea experience is a prix fixe option with your selection of tea, of which there are several. The scone and mini sandwiches were my favorites. I could've done without the sweets but to be fair, I'm not big on macaroons or cookies. The service was lacking but I suspect that was our server rather than the ordinary pace at the establishment as the other waiter in the room was quite attentive to his table and at one point, assisted us as well. All in all, I'd attend again to give the tea room another shot.

    Lauren H.

    The tea room is something you must make reservations for in advance and costs about $75 per person. This tea service is in the library and is such a beautiful setting. The teas were tasty and something fun I hadn't had before! The food was amazing as well! I want expecting too much but they really did an excellent job on the flavor profiles and we did not leave hungry! Overall: I would recommend this to any book lovers who also love a tea service. It's a fun and unique experience if your city doesn't have a tea time.

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    9 months ago

    Amazing experience! Tea rooms like this a hard to find. Price was reasonable, setting lovely, location close to other great places to visit.

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Courtyard Tea Room

    What is the cost of weekday tea room?

    The cost was just under $70 per person.

    Looks like your booked up for several months. Suggestions for making reservations?

    Must book through resy through a rolling reservation system that opens 30 days in advance. Reservations on resy open at midnight. They book up quickly on the weekends.

    Do they take walk ins?

    Unfortunately, we don't typically take walk ins, especially on the weekend. We occasionally have walk-in availability on weekdays, as long as you come at one of our set seating times, 11:00am, 1:00pm, or 3:00pm. You are also welcome to wait through… Read more

    Do they offer substitutions if you're pescatarian/vegetarian/vegan?

    I am vegetarian and they had a whole vegetarian platter for us! We had included this in our reservation, but if you tell them at the door that works too!… Read more

    Do they offer vegan dessert options?

    Yes and they do an amazing job of matching yours to everyone elses so you don't feel odd or cheated. They do put yours on a plate instead of the platform but that is only so you can be sure you are getting vegan treats

    Do they offer any Gluten Free options?

    I am sure if you contact them in advance they can do this. They do a great job of accommodating vegans (me) people with food sensitivities (my sister)

    Is 39-49 a set price or can you order off a menu?

    It's a set price and then you receive all of the sandwiches, scones etc. listed. They always have a couple of add on (salad, soup etc.) for an additional price too

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    Ogawa Coffee

    Ogawa Coffee

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    1.1 mi
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    This is a cute little cafe with large windows on the storefront. There's a small amount of tables,…read morebar seating, and stadium seating to suit your needs. Wait time was about 15 min, which they tell you as soon as you order. The wait was well worth it. I got a hot hojicha latte and it is one of the best I have tried. It was only after I left that I realized this cafe actually originates from Kyoto. I cannot wait to come back to try more things on the menu the next time I am in Boston. Would recommend this spot to anyone.

    Ogawa Coffee is a Japanese cafe that stands out with its artistic interior, unique tiered seating,…read moreand carefully designed atmosphere. We walked into a space that mixes communal tables, stadium-style seating, and smaller spots to sit, making it a place where you can stop in for a quick drink or stay longer with a laptop. The interior design is one of the biggest highlights, giving the cafe a more elevated experience compared to a typical coffee shop. The tiered seating in particular creates a visual dynamic that makes the room feel more intentional than your standard coffee counter. The drinks are the main focus here, especially the matcha, hojicha, and espresso-based options. We ordered the hojicha latte, which was one of the strongest items on the menu, with a deep roasted flavor and a smooth texture. The matcha has a more traditional earthy profile and leans less sweet, which works well if you prefer a more authentic matcha taste. The drinks are on the expensive side, but the quality of the ingredients and preparation make it feel more like a specialty cafe experience rather than a standard coffee stop. The food and dessert options add another reason to visit, with items like the egg sandwich, quiche, macarons, and hojicha desserts available depending on the day. The menu is smaller compared to a full brunch cafe, but it pairs well with the drinks and gives the visit more of a cafe-and-pastry feel. Service is friendly and the staff are knowledgeable about the drinks, which helps when choosing between the different Japanese tea options. The cafe can get busy, and seating is limited compared to the number of people who come through, but the layout gives it a unique character. Ogawa Coffee works well for specialty coffee and tea lovers looking for a more intentional cafe experience in Boston, especially if you enjoy Japanese-style drinks and a thoughtfully designed space.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Turkey, Bacon, and Avocado Sandwich, Smoked Maple Latte
    Turkey, Bacon, and Avocado Sandwich, Smoked Maple Latte
    IG: @nom.noms.only | matcha latte

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    IG: @nom.noms.only | matcha latte
    Jonquils Cafe & Bakery

    Jonquils Cafe & Bakery

    4.3
    (681 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    cute café, i was intrigued like everyone else by their geometric apple which i have yet to try! we…read moretried their cortado and matcha rose latte, and they were both amazing. definitely recommend coming here for coffee as well as gorgeous, delicious treats. ambiance: 4.6/5 (small and few tables but very cute) drinks: 5/5 service: 5/5 jonquils cafe & bakery: 4.9/5

    Jonquils Cafe has been on my Boston list for the longest time. Their innovative cake designs made…read moreby 3D printed molds look 100% insta-worthy and are sure to captivate every girl. Honest thoughts: The cakes were indeed beautifully crafted, but $13 was overpriced. The cake quality didn't meet the steep price. The cafe was self-service and some furnitures were quite worn out. From their ig, I saw the price tag was ~$9 last year. It was aggressive to raise $4 within a year.....It would be more reasonable to charge at or under $10. *Autumn Leaf $13 * This seasonal special was my favorite. Spiced sponge and pecan crunch were wrapped inside the subtly sweet maple mousse, with a hint of banana flavor coming through midway. The spiced cake tasted like fall. *Geometric Apple $13 The geometric apple is their bestseller but I found the flavors didn't match well with one another. The outer layer was cheesecake mousse, while the center was filled with apple compote, caramel, and chocolate cake. The cake was quite sweet, and the sourness from apple put me off. The chocolate crunch inside was too hard to eat.

    Photos
    Coffee bar and register.
    Coffee bar and register.
    Main seating areas.
    Main seating areas.
    Jonquils Cafe & Bakery

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    The Sipping Room by Breeze

    The Sipping Room by Breeze

    4.4
    (64 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    The Sipping Room by Breeze is a small, intimate cafe in Boston that feels like a genuine find…read morerather than another coffee shop filling a corner. We walked into a minimalist and calm space with enough personality to make it comfortable for a longer stay, the kind of room where the lighting and the seating encourage you to settle in rather than rush out. The dalgona coffee is one of the standout orders and delivered the creamy, slightly bitter contrast that makes the format work when it is done well. We had it with oat milk, which smoothed out the richness without losing the depth of the coffee underneath. The matcha was another high point, aromatic and grassy in a way that reflects quality sourcing, and notably not overly sweet. The hojicha with hojicha foam was on rotation during our visit, layered and smooth in a way that made it an easy recommendation for anyone who leans toward roasted, nutty flavors. Prices across the menu are genuinely affordable for the quality. The loose leaf teas can be rebrewed multiple times, which added real value to the experience as we settled in for a while. Service was warm and unhurried, with staff who clearly know the drink menu well and are happy to talk through the options without any pressure. For a handcrafted drink in a space that feels like it was built for people who actually care about what they are drinking, The Sipping Room earns a spot on the short list. We would come back for the dalgona coffee and a quiet afternoon with a rebrewed pot of tea.

    This is a nice spot for getting work done if you can find a spot. Their dining area is definitely a…read morelittle small, but it's nice that they're open pretty late so that you can come here to work or meet for a quick drink with a friend whenever you want. I will say, it felt a little cramped, but the atmosphere is very quiet and good for focusing. As for the drink itself, I was impressed with the matcha powder quality and the fact that it was made to order. However it was also very watery and honestly way overpriced for the size. I can't say I'd come here again as there are several other spots in the city that have better drinks and seating and that are in nicer, more accessible areas, but overall not a bad experience coming here.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Front Counter at The Sipping Room
    Front Counter at The Sipping Room
    Menu

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    Menu

    Courtyard Tea Room - tea - Updated June 2026

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